A cherished pet cat who has helped its owner through her fight with breast cancer has gone missing. The search is on for Riley, a three-year-old white and ginger tom.

He went missing from his home in Netherley Road, Hinckley, on Thursday night, leaving owner Lisa LeVay, who is still undergoing treatment, distraught.

She has put an appeal on a local pet search page on Facebook asking for people to look out for Riley who is neutered and microchipped.

She said: “Please, please help me find my kitty, he’s a big white teddy bear and my heart is breaking without him. I’ve been battling breast cancer for the last two years and he was one of the things that kept me going. Please help me.”

The family have recently moved from Ashby Road to Netherley Road and Riley had wandered off overnight a couple of days previously but was back home the next morning.

Former neighbours in Netherley Road have been contacted but have reported no sightings. Anyone with information should visit the Facebook page Lost & Found Cats, Dogs & Pets in Hinckley & Villages.